Let's take a deeper look at why Manmadhan is a problematic and nonsensical film.
1. Problematic Themes and Messaging
One of the biggest issues with Manmadhan is its glorification of toxic masculinity and problematic ideas about love and revenge. The film presents the protagonist, who murders women he deems "morally corrupt," as a misunderstood anti-hero rather than a deeply disturbed individual. This reinforces harmful stereotypes about women and relationships, promoting the idea that women who do not conform to traditional values deserve punishment. The justification given for the protagonist's actions is flimsy and deeply troubling, reducing complex moral and social issues to a simplistic and regressive narrative.
Moreover, the film tries to evoke sympathy for a character who engages in violent and psychopathic behavior, which sends the wrong message-especially to younger audiences. Instead of offering a nuanced take on trauma and obsession, it romanticizes revenge and paints the killer as a tragic figure.
2. Contradictory and Illogical Plot Points
The storyline is riddled with inconsistencies and illogical twists. The protagonist is shown leading a dual life, effortlessly balancing a college student persona with his serial killer alter ego, without raising suspicion. The way the film handles investigations, police work, and even basic character interactions feels detached from reality. Key plot points rely heavily on coincidence and forced suspense rather than genuine storytelling.
For instance, the "twist" involving the twin brother feels like a last-minute addition to justify the protagonist's actions and provide an escape from moral accountability. It's a lazy way to tie up loose ends rather than an intelligent revelation. The lack of proper foreshadowing makes the twist feel cheap and undeserved.
3. Weak Female Characters and Misogyny
Women in Manmadhan exist purely to serve the male protagonist's narrative, either as objects of desire or as cautionary examples of "bad behavior." They have no agency, depth, or meaningful arcs. The film consistently portrays women who are sexually liberated or independent in a negative light, reinforcing outdated gender norms.
Even the so-called "good" female characters are reduced to stereotypes-damsels in distress who exist only to be saved or mourned. The lack of meaningful female perspectives makes the film one-sided and shallow in its treatment of relationships and morality.
4. Over-the-Top Performances and Cringe-Worthy Dialogue
Silambarasan's performance is often exaggerated, making it difficult to take the character seriously. His attempts at brooding intensity come off as forced, and the heavy reliance on slow-motion shots and dramatic pauses makes the film unintentionally comical at times. The dialogue is filled with clichéd lines about love, betrayal, and revenge, often bordering on cringe-worthy melodrama rather than compelling storytelling.
Supporting characters, instead of adding depth, serve as mere fillers to move the plot forward. Many scenes feel dragged out and unnecessary, with repetitive sequences that test the viewer's patience.
5. Overuse of Songs and Unnecessary Romance
Instead of focusing on tightening the narrative, the film frequently shifts to unrelated song sequences that break the already weak pacing. While a few tracks became popular, their placement in the story feels forced and disrupts the flow. The romantic subplot feels unnecessary and poorly developed, with little chemistry between the leads.
Conclusion
At its core, Manmadhan is a film that attempts to blend psychological thriller elements with commercial entertainment but fails to do justice to either. Its problematic themes, nonsensical twists, weak female representation, and illogical writing make it a deeply flawed movie that doesn't stand up to scrutiny. Rather than being a gripping thriller, it comes across as a poorly executed fantasy that sends the wrong messages about relationships, revenge, and morality.
If you're looking for a well-crafted psychological thriller, Manmadhan isn't it.
